Kelso & Company

Kelso is a North American-focused middle market private equity firm. Kelso was founded on the principles of partnership and alignment of interest espoused by Louis Kelso, the inventor of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (or ESOP). Louis believed that businesses perform better when a strong alignment of interest exists between management, employees and shareholders through shared equity ownership.

Kelso’s unique history has driven a culture and approach to investing that we believe make us an attractive partner to management teams, owners of businesses and corporations.

Strong influence of our ESOP rootsAlignment and partnership are at our core, and continue to drive our culture and approach.

35+ years investing in private equityWe have invested $12 billion of equity capital since 1980.

120+ investments across a range of industriesWe have developed deep sector expertise during our three decades of private equity investing.

We are the largest investor in our fundsKelso employees have committed to invest 20+% of every dollar invested in our most recent fund, representing one of the largest GP commitments in the private equity industry.

100% of the Kelso team investsEach Kelso employee invests in our transactions, so we all have skin in the game.

We think like owners, not agentsOur significant personal investment provides us with an owner’s mindset and focus on building businesses for the long-term.

23+-year average investment partner tenure at KelsoOne of the most experienced teams in private equity, with strong investment partner continuity.

Enviable reputation built over three decadesWe do the right thing. Our core values are respect for others, integrity and pursuit of excellence.

Partnership ethosWe believe that the stability of our firm, the continuity of our team and our strong core values distinguish Kelso and position us as a partner of choice in the private equity market.